Annaleigh Ashford on Doing a 'Death Drop' in Her Live from Lincoln Center Concert & Making Future Plans with Jake Gyllenhaal

Annaleigh Ashford is excited to share what she calls her “weird shtick” with the viewing public when the Live from Lincoln Center—Stars in Concert special airs on PBS on May 17. The Tony winner, who demurred from talking about her upcoming projects, chatted with Broadway.com about the “first death drop on PBS,” her affection for former Kinky Boots co-star Billy Porter and future plans with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Ashford says her special is the culmination of the last five years of solo concerts. She's inspired by a particular era: “I am in love with the olden days of cabaret. What that means to me is Bathhouse Betty, and everybody living their dreams in the ’70s and ’80s. Also, the era of the Vegas nightclub show. I'm inspired by anything that has lots of sequins and rhinestones.”

With the date fast approaching, we wondered if Ashford will be watching the broadcast. “We're having a little viewing party with my close friends that night, which is overwhelming for me. I'll probably go in the bathroom and puke the whole time.” Will she dress up in sequins and rhinestones? “You know, I'll probably wear a sensible jumpsuit,” Ashford laughs.

The performer is eager for the concert to air, so she can share her range. “It's a real combo platter,” she says. “I wanted to use the special not just to sing songs, but also to tell my story. Also, we have a special surprise guest: Jake Gyllenhaal joined me for a number from Sunday in the Park with George. Everyone knows he's really, really, really good at acting. But now you're going to find out how good he is at singing. You’re welcome, America!”

Would she like to work with her Sunday in the Park co-star on again? “I would literally play the weird maid in the background of his next film. I would do anything for him,” Ashford says of Gyllenhaal. “What could we do when we're older? I like to pick things that you can do when you're really old. Like we should do The Gin Game when we're 85.”

Ashford also mused about another one of her co-stars, Kinky Boots Tony winner Billy Porter, who recently made a splash at the Met Gala. “Oh, my God. Isn't it fabulous?,” Ashford says. “What a magnificent experience it has been to watch the world get to meet Billy Porter. The Broadway community has known what a special genius he is for years, and now the entire world is getting to see his magic. He's a true artist.”

As can be viewed in the trailer (see below), Ashford has some wild moves in her Live from Lincoln Center concert. “It’s called a death drop," she says. "In the show, I explain that it was invented by drag queens, a.k.a. my people. At least, I like to consider drag queens my people. I felt like it would be a fun way to start the show: First death drop on PBS!”

On a more serious note, Ashford says she hopes her special is inspiring. ”Somebody gave me the best compliment ever after the show. They said, ‘You really embrace the idea that you should be who you're born to be.’ I don't know if I did that, but I want to remind everybody that they're not alone, and that they're loved, and that they were born who they were meant to be. Also, I’m really proud of my death drop.”